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De-stress Your Business

Author: Paddy Mann & Alexis Kingsbury

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Business doesn’t need to be stressful. This weekly podcast is for business owners, leaders, and managers who want to get better results, with less stress. We go deep on tactics you can roll out today, such as freeing up 15 hours per week (!) of your time, empowering your teams, and sorting out employee onboarding. Paddy Mann and Alexis Kingsbury are serial entrepreneurs who have learned these lessons the hard way over the last 15 years, and now support 100s of other business leaders as co-founders at AirManual.
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Ever feel like your own mind is sabotaging your day? Whether it’s stressing about a big meeting or just feeling guilty for no good reason, anxiety can be crippling. 😩  I’ve been there too – those spirals of overthinking can be exhausting. It’s even tougher when you’re trying to juggle life and business at the same time. Fortunately, I’ve learned some strategies that help me get out of that anxious loop and show up as my best self, and I think they could help you too. So in this episode, I’m opening up about how I managed to shift from anxious and drained to confident and energized in social situations.  I share: 👉 How I used to spiral into stress before important events 👉 The mindset shift I use to make better decisions, stay calm, sleep well, and handle anxiety 👉 10 tactics you can use to improve mental energy using the mnemonic “CONFIDENCE” If you’ve ever felt the weight of anxiety or overthinking dragging you down, this episode is for you.  --- Helpful resources: - Dave Ramsey on removing stress: https://youtu.be/3QXqfo9lYsg?si=JJOr7atzo351pdzh - Positive Intelligence (not Positive Psychology as I said in the episode): https://www.positiveintelligence.com/ - Emotional Vibration: https://www.google.com/search?q=emotional+vibration - Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710 - 5am Miracle, by Jeff Sanders: https://www.jeffsanders.com/podcast/  - Tony Robbins - Brian Tracey - How will you measure your life? by Clayton M Christensen: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Will-Measure-Your-Life/dp/0007449151
Do you ever feel overwhelmed at the thought of automating your business?    Often the idea of automating can feel way too big and complicated, which often leads to doing nothing at all.   But here’s the thing—automation doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. What if, instead of trying to automate everything, you started with just one task? One repetitive, manual task that drains your time and energy. Imagine the relief of getting that off your plate.   The truth is, automation isn’t about perfection or overhauling your entire business overnight. It’s about making progress, starting small, and tackling those tasks that cause the most pain.   That’s where Isaac Perdomo comes in. As the founder of Opzer, Isaac has saved businesses over 20,000 hours of manual work, helping them automate and scale without adding more staff.    With over a decade of experience and more than 50 businesses transformed, Isaac is the go-to expert for automation that actually works. His strategies have helped companies not just save time, but unlock significant growth and profitability—all while avoiding the common pitfalls of automation. He’s the master at turning complex workflows into seamless systems that deliver real ROI.   In this episode, we cover:  How to spot the best areas to automate for maximum impact  The common mistakes that can derail your automation efforts  How Isaac’s strategies have helped businesses scale Practical steps to use the right automations for the right tasks   Ready to stop wasting time and automate for real results? Drop your questions in the comments!   #DeStressYourBusiness #Podcast #Automation #BusinessGrowth #IsaacPerdomo #Entrepreneurship #ROI #ScalingUp #BusinessOwners   ---   Helpful resources: Isaac’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-perdomo/ Opzer’s Automation for Accountants YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@opzerco/featured Website: https://opzer.co/ Isaac’s Newsletter: https://opzer.co/newsletter Isaac’s article on the 9 areas to automate as an accounting firm: https://ramp.com/blog/9-key-areas-to-automate-as-an-accounting-firm
Are constant deadlines and stressed-out teams dragging your business down?   As a business leader, you know the toll that high-pressure periods, like tax season, can take on your team. The stress builds up, morale plummets, and soon you’re facing burnout, decreased productivity, and even the risk of losing your best talent.    This relentless cycle not only affects your team but also spills over into client interactions, impacting the growth and success of your business.   But it doesn’t have to be this way.   That’s why I sat down with Graeme Tennick, the mastermind behind Tennick Accountants, who has cracked the code on turning stress into success.    Graeme has transformed his firm by prioritizing team well-being, slashing stress during crunch times, and creating a happier, more productive work environment.   In this episode of De-stress Your Business, we dive into: How Graeme eliminated crunch-time stress and improved team morale The surprising strategies that turned deadlines from stressful to successful Real-life examples of how a happier team led to better client interactions and business growth Actionable tips for any business leader looking to reduce stress and retain top talent   Join us for an insightful conversation that will change the way you approach crunch times in your business. With Graeme’s proven tactics, you’ll learn how to create a work environment where your team thrives and your business flourishes.   ---   Helpful resources: Website- https://tennick.co.uk/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-tennick-xero-expert-virtual-finance-director/ Graeme’s book recommendation: Greg McKeown: Essentialism: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382
In this episode of De-Stress Your Business, host Alexis Kingsbury is joined by Dawn Marriott, a business turnaround expert and partner at HG Capital.    Dawn shares her strategies for optimizing leadership time, delegating tasks, and making tough decisions. She discusses her role as CEO of Azets, highlighting the challenges she faced with rapid growth, integration of multiple acquisitions, and the need for detailed planning and accountability.    Dawn emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, managing time effectively, and making swift decisions to remove blockers. She also gives practical advice on achieving consistency in processes and the balance between centralized and localized decision-making.    The episode concludes with a quick-fire round where Dawn shares her personal insights and recommendations for business leaders.   Tune in to learn how to take action and see the positive impact!    ---   Links and Resources:   Dawn on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-marriott-6853701/ Book recommendation: The Ultra Processed People (Chris Van Tulleken) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultra-Processed-People-Stuff-That-Isnt/dp/1529900050
How often do you find yourself overwhelmed because there’s no clear process in place?   Without well-documented processes, mistakes pile up, stress levels rise , and delegation feels impossible. But why do so many businesses miss the mark on this?   In this episode, Alexis uncovers the exact moment leaders should seize to document processes effectively and how that can transform your business.   --- Resources   Website: www.airmanual.co
Does your revenue feel like a leaking bucket, where more effort pours in than value pours out?     Many entrepreneurs tirelessly chase new sales and pump resources into various business areas, only to find that their overall valuation barely budges. This constant grind can lead to burnout and frustration, leaving business owners questioning which parts of their revenue truly drive value and which are just exhausting their resources.   The uncertainty and stress of not knowing how to optimize or where to channel efforts effectively can stifle growth and innovation.   Enter Louise White, a titan in transforming business revenue and a visionary in market strategy. Having orchestrated the turnaround and explosive growth of numerous businesses, Louise consistently turns stagnant revenue streams into massive wealth generators.    From redefining media companies in the digital age to achieving a monumental 28X return on a business exit, her strategies have proven to be goldmines.   In today's episode, we sit down with Louise to uncover: The secrets to distinguishing between high and low-value revenue. Proven strategies for restructuring your business model to focus on the most profitable areas. Insightful anecdotes from her own experience of turning struggling media companies into lucrative ventures.   Don’t miss this opportunity to reshape your perspective on revenue and propel your business to new heights with Louise White’s expert guidance!   #BusinessGrowth #RevenueOptimization #LouiseWhite #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy   ---   Helpful resources: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisewhite Twitter- https://twitter.com/louisecwhite
Feeling like your relentless hard work is getting you nowhere in your business? 😖  Are you drowning in tasks, seeing minimal financial rewards, and questioning if you'll ever achieve the success you dream of?  This constant grind can lead to burnout, frustration, and the nagging feeling that your efforts are in vain. Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of believing that working harder is the key to success, but what if your work ethic is actually the problem? 😅 That’s why in today's podcast, we're speaking with Amanda C. Watts, a true rockstar in the world of business advisory. 🌟  Amanda is the founder of the Business Advisor Academy and Oompf Global, and she has transformed thousands of businesses by helping them shift from overworked and underpaid to highly profitable and efficient. Amanda’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. She’s a mentor and trusted advisor to CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, financial coaches, and business coaches worldwide. Amanda has a deep conviction that business advisory is vital in today’s world, and her methods have proven time and again that financial success is not just possible but achievable. In this episode, we cover: 👉 Why charging for value, not worth, is a game-changer. 👉 Practical steps to deliver higher value and boost profits. 👉 How to provide added value beyond advisory services, including coaching and accountability. 👉 The importance of simplifying your business and how to do it. 👉 Balancing transactional work with high-value services. 👉 Overcoming common myths that hold businesses back. Join us for De-stress Your Business and discover how to transform your work ethic into a strategy for success with Amanda C. Watts! 💼✨ #DeStressYourBusiness #podcast #businessgrowth #valuepricing #AmandaCWatts #entrepreneurship #businesssuccess #profitability #worksmarternotharder --- Helpful resources: - LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandacwatts/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=uk - YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/c/AmandaCWatts - Website- https://oompf.global/ - Website- https://businessadvisoracademy.com/ - Amanda’s book: Business Advisor Playbook https://businessadvisoracademy.com/book - Book recommendation: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compound-Effect-Perseus/dp/159315724X
Have you moved away from what you love, to being overwhelmed by the complexities of growing your business? Are you constantly battling the complexities of marketing your business, leaving you little time to do more of what you love? 😩 Does the struggle to attract quality clients leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed? 😅 For many small business owners, marketing can feel like an endless maze of tasks that yield inconsistent outcomes. The lack of a clear, effective strategy often leads to wasted time, effort, and resources, creating a cycle of stress and disappointment. 🤦‍♂️ That's why in today's podcast, we're bringing you an expert who can turn this struggle into a streamlined success. 🌟 Meet Ben Caine, the marketing maestro behind Benchmark Content. With over a decade of experience in transforming marketing efforts for small businesses, Ben has developed the revolutionary S.I.M.P.L.E Marketing system. His approach has helped countless business owners attract clients who see their services as valuable investments rather than just costs. 📈 Ben’s journey is as inspiring as his results. From a journalist to a marketing powerhouse, he has mastered the art of making marketing simple and effective. Under his guidance, businesses have seen remarkable transformations, breaking free from the marketing maze to do more of what they love. 🌠 Our conversation covers:  👉 Ben's journey from journalism to marketing guru 👉 The profound impact of his brother's passing on his mission to help others 👉 The S.I.M.P.L.E Marketing system and why it works  👉 Common marketing mistakes and how to avoid them  👉 Real success stories and transformative strategies  👉 Tips for staying motivated and effective in your marketing efforts   --- Helpful resources: - LinkedIn- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bencaine - Website- https://morequalityleads.com/freemasterclass - Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketingtoattractqualityclients
Does the idea of starting a business podcast fill you with excitement but also dread? 🎙️😟  Many aspiring podcasters face not just the technical hurdles of setting up audio equipment and software but also the creative pressures of content creation. Add to this the constant need for new ideas and engaging topics, and it’s easy to see why so many give up before they even truly begin.  The fear of speaking into a void, with little to no audience engagement, can turn an exciting venture into a stressful burden. Enter Jason Allan Scott, a podcasting powerhouse who has transformed the landscape of digital broadcasting. With a track record of creating and selling not one, but two successful podcast channels, Jason has dominated this medium, reaching millions globally.  His strategic insights and innovative approaches have not only earned him a place among the top influencers in media but also led to lucrative acquisitions that set new industry standards. In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Jason shares his expertise on: 👉 Crafting a podcast that stands out in a saturated market 👉 Techniques to manage the stress of regular content production 👉 Monetizing your podcast effectively to fuel business growth   #DeStressYourBusiness #podcast #JasonAllanScott #businessgrowth #contentcreation #stressmanagement #podcastingtips --- Helpful resources: - Jason’s website- http://www.jasonallanscott.uk/ - Jason’s podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/make-money-podcast/id1725633651 - The Guestlist podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XjDyCeWpYe4Q1tlKBI0dW - LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-allan-scott/
Is your accounting firm drowning in outdated practices, losing clients, and missing out on opportunities due to a lack of modernization?    Many accounting and bookkeeping businesses find themselves trapped in the past, struggling with inefficiencies, outdated technology, and an inability to meet the evolving demands of the industry.    This stagnation can lead to frustrated staff, dissatisfied clients, and a constant battle to keep up with competitors who are leveraging the latest innovations. The pain of falling behind is real, and it's affecting your bottom line and your peace of mind.   That’s why in today's podcast, we're speaking with Mark Lee, a true trailblazer in the world of accountancy. Mark is a highly respected speaker, mentor, and influencer who has helped countless firms modernize their practices and thrive in the digital age.    With a career spanning over three decades, Mark has transformed accounting practices through innovative technology, earning recognition as one of the top 100 global business influencers by Sage.    His influence extends beyond technology; he chairs the UK's largest network of specialist tax advisers and has received the prestigious "Outstanding Contribution" award at Accountex 2024. Mark's thought leadership and expertise have made him a sought-after mentor, guiding firms to new heights of efficiency and profitability.   Our conversation dives deep into: The biggest future demands for accountancy and bookkeeping businesses Practical steps for businesses feeling stuck in their ways to embrace modernization How AI and automation can revolutionize day-to-day operations Real-life success stories of businesses that have thrived through modernization Essential skills accountants need to develop for future success   Join us for De-stress Your Business Episode 62 — our live podcast.   #destressyourbusiness #podcast #accounting #modernization #MarkLee #technology #AI #businessgrowth #futureproofing   ---   Helpful resources:   Website- https://bookmarklee.co.uk/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bookmarklee/ Facebook- https://web.facebook.com/BookMarkLee?_rdc=1&_rdr YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/bookmarklee
In this mini-episode of De-stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury addresses the often-asked question of whether businesses need to hire an operations manager.  Alexis discusses the value of having a Chief Operations Officer (COO) vs. heads of functions owning their processes. He emphasizes the importance of empowering department heads to manage their processes rather than delegating all responsibility to one person.  Alexis also shares insights into the role of a 'process champion' in larger organizations.  Please subscribe for upcoming interviews with top CEOs and experts, and don't forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
In this episode of De-stress Your Business, Alexis Kingsbury explores the impact of business structure and processes on creativity, magic, and fun.    Through personal anecdotes and examples from his consulting experiences at Sony PlayStation, Alexis argues that a lack of structure can lead to chaos, burnout, and reduced creativity.    He offers insights on how implementing clear roles, responsibilities, and meeting rhythms can enhance collaboration and efficiency, ultimately fostering a more enjoyable and innovative work environment.
In this episode of De-stress Your Business, host Alexis Kingsbury discusses the ideal timing for documenting business processes.  Sharing insights from his personal experiences and research, Alexis highlights how documentation should be done iteratively and in real-time, rather than as a homework task.     He explains the importance of capturing processes while solving existing problems to ensure they are effective and useful.     Alexis provides practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls and emphasizes building a business that operates smoothly without dependency on any single individual. --- Want to learn how to get your processes documented super fast? Check out https://youtu.be/PLJffQh8eyQ
In this special episode of 'Destress Your Business,' Alexis Kingsbury, founder of AirManual, announces a hiatus of the podcast and shares insights on whether to use video or text for documenting business processes.  He reflects on previous episodes with Marianne Page, Adi Clevitt, Adrienne Dorison, Mike Michalowicz, and Erin Mathie, and discusses the pros and cons of video versus text documentation.  Alexis emphasizes the importance of, if starting with video, transitioning to detailed text for accuracy and continuous improvement. Using his extensive experience, he guides listeners on the best practices for efficient process documentation. --- - Want to see how we use AI to quickly document processes (instead of using video then turning this into a checklist)?  Check out this video: https://youtu.be/nmH9tixe_PU
Are you tired of chasing unicorns in your hiring process? It’s time to shift your strategy and discover a more effective way to build your team!   In episode 119 of the De-Stress Your Business podcast, we dive deep into the realities of finding affordable talent and why the hunt for the perfect "mini-me" is setting you up for failure. Join Alexis Kingsbury as he shares practical advice on attracting and retaining amazing team members without breaking the bank.   In this episode, we’ll cover:   Why hunting unicorns is a costly mistake Breaking down roles and skills for better hiring decisions Hiring for culture fit and skill match Providing processes, guidance, and training to ensure success   Tune in to hear real-life examples of what works and what doesn't, and get actionable steps to transform your hiring process. Whether you’re a small business owner or a leader in a growing company, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a dynamic team without the mythical quest.   Listen now to episode 119 of the De-Stress Your Business podcast and start building a team of exceptional talent!   ---   Helpful resources: Episode 117: Embedding Your Values and Brand into Your Business AirManual: www.airmanual.co #DeStressYourBusiness #HiringTips #BusinessGrowth #AffordableTalent #TeamBuilding #Podcast
Do you feel like your relentless work ethic is holding your business back? You're not alone.    Many business owners find themselves trapped in a cycle of hard work that ultimately stunts their business growth. They become the bottleneck, trying to handle every task, from minor details to major decisions, which leaves them overwhelmed and their business stagnant.    This constant hustle can lead to burnout, frustration, and the painful realization that their efforts are actually hindering their success.   That’s why in today's podcast, I'm speaking with Erin Mathie, a rockstar in business transformation. Erin is a fractional COO and Process Triage Certified Facilitator on a mission to end the small business time trap. With her expertise, she has transformed hundreds of businesses, teaching owners how to delegate effectively and focus on what truly drives growth.    Erin's journey is inspirational: she turned her own tutoring company into a successful venture, working only a few hours a week, and now she's dedicated to helping others achieve the same freedom and success.   Our conversation covers: Erin's journey from overworked business owner to strategic shareholder How misdirected work ethic can be a business's biggest barrier Practical steps to identify and delegate tasks to free up your time The importance of documenting processes for better delegation Inspiring success stories of business transformations   Drop your questions in the chat!   #DeStressYourBusiness #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Delegation #ProcessImprovement #ErinMathie   ---   Helpful resources:   Facebook- https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-mathie-36b2699/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-mathie-36b2699/ Business Made Simple- https://make-business-simple.com/
Are you struggling to align your team with your business values and brand?   Hanging a poster of your values on the wall isn’t enough to transform your business culture.   Leaders often recognize the need to define core values and establish a strong brand identity. Yet, as teams grow, maintaining these standards can become a significant challenge. Without consistent reinforcement, your business may lose its unique edge, becoming less special, less profitable, and less appealing to both employees and customers.   So, what’s the solution?   In this episode, I’ll guide you through the essential steps to embed your values and brand into every part of your business. We’ll explore what this looks like in practice and highlight common mistakes to avoid.   Learn what values and brand really mean for your business Hear inspiring success stories of businesses that effectively integrated their values Get actionable tips to ensure your values and brand are reflected in all aspects of your operations   Let’s transform your business into something truly special!   Listen now to episode 117 of the De-Stress Your Business podcast and start making a lasting impact!   ---   Learn more about AirManual: www.airmanual.co
Are you a bit of a control freak? (Like me!) 😬 Sometimes perfection and can be the enemy of greatness, particularly when it comes to delegation — holding us back from making progress because we need everything to be “just so”. 👌 However, sometimes leaders attempt to delegate, and find that the person they delegated to doesn’t do a good job. 🤦‍♂️ They make mistakes.  🤦‍♂️ They ask repeated questions.  🤦‍♂️ They completely miss the whole point!  The leader ends up with the work back on their plate, and resolves that they are just too much of a control freak to hand the work over… they end up trapped! So in this episode I go deep into this issue — how you can embrace just the right amount of your inner control freak to get amazing results when delegating… and the real life examples of it going well, and spectacularly wrong!  --- Helpful resources: - Lear more about AirManual: https://www.airmanual.co
Many business leaders wrestle with getting their employees to work collaboratively. Especially when it comes to finding the right balance between hitting day-to-day targets driving significant organizational changes. Navigating the shift from individualism to collaboration in your team can feel like trying to solve an ever-changing puzzle. And understanding how one’s day-to-day tasks impact the organization’s mission adds another layer of complexity, yet is crucial for the company’s long-term success. Today, we’re joined by someone truly exceptional – Sophie Theen. Not only is she a seasoned HR and operations executive, but she's also an award-winning author. Sophie's career spans from leading HR divisions and large teams to successfully running her own consultancy and mentoring women in technology. She’s also the author of "The Soul of Startups: The Untold Stories of How Founders Affect Culture," exploring how founder personalities shape company culture—a pivotal read for founders, managers, and HR professionals.  Today we cover : 🎯 Shifting from 'me' to 'we' in team culture 🔄 Balancing company-wide goals and day-to-day tasks for success 🌈 The impact of diversity and inclusion on effective team direction 🚀 Nurturing the next generation of leaders. --- Helpful resources: - Sophie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophietheen/ - Sophie Theen’s website: https://www.sophietheen.com/ - Sophie’s book, The Soul of Startups: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soul-Startups-Stories-Founders-Culture/dp/1119885590
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of product design?   Every business owner knows the stakes are high when bringing a new product to market, but common design mistakes can turn an exciting process into a stressful nightmare. What if there was a way to simplify this process and reduce the anxiety it brings?   This week on De-stress Your Business, we're thrilled to host Rob Law, the mastermind behind Trunki, the beloved brand that revolutionized children's travel gear.   Rob's journey from a high-profile rejection on BBC's Dragon's Den to selling over 4 million suitcases worldwide is nothing short of inspiring. With over 120 awards and a personal endorsement in the form of an MBE for Services to Business, Rob's approach to product design not only avoids common pitfalls but also harnesses creativity to thrive in the global market.   Join us as we discuss: Key strategies to avoid design mistakes that most business owners face. Insights into turning design challenges into competitive advantages. Real-life stories of overcoming adversity in product development. Practical tips for streamlining your design process and reducing stress.   Tune in for an episode packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the product design journey with more confidence and less stress.   #DeStressYourBusiness #podcast #productdesign #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #RobLaw   ---   Helpful resources: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/trunkidaddy/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-law-mbe/ Website- https://www.roblaw.com/ Zeepy: https://zeepy.co/
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